Mykhailo Hrushevsky

Mykhailo Hrushevsky (1866–1934) lived in a time of many historic events, not only in Ukraine, but the world. The First World War, then the Revolution and Civil War on the territory of the former Russian Empire, emigration and return. That’s how turbulent his life was. He distinguished himself as a prominent historian, publicist and political figure.

Thanks to his activity as an academician and the head of the History and Philology Department, which was among the largest at the time, the All-Ukrainian Academy of Sciences (AUAS) saw its heyday. Hrushevsky’s creative heritage is comprised of around 2,000 works on history, sociology, literary studies and ethnography. His publicistic and epistolary works still have not been sufficiently studied. One of Hrushevsky’s largest works of history is the “History of Ukraine-Rus”, in which he described the history of the Ukrainian lands from the beginning of their formation to modern times. He was virtually the first historian to write a major work concerning the history of Ukraine covering such a long period.

Hrushevsky’s public and political life was very bright and busy. During the turbulent times of the February Revolution of 1917 in the Russian Empire, on the territory of Ukraine, the Central Rada emerged in Kyiv – a representative body that later became a superior legislative body. Hrushevsky was elected its head in his absence. The Central Rada operated for 14 months. With its Universal of June 23, 1917, the Central Rada headed by Hrushevsky declared Ukrainian autonomy within a federated Russia. Seven months later, on January 22, 1918, it issued its Fourth Universal, which declared Ukraine a “completely independent and sovereign state of the Ukrainian people”. This event became a serious step toward Ukraine’s freedom and independence after the War of Liberation led by Bohdan Khmelnytsky. That is why Ukrainians often call Hrushevsky the first president of Ukraine. In fact, Hrushevsky was president of the Central Rada, both legally and historically. This position can be equated with the modern-day post of Parliament Speaker. Despite this, Hrushevsky’s contribution toward the formation of Ukraine as an independent state remains very significant.

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From personal experience

Vishal Ratnakar, theoretical physicist (India-Ukraine)
I graduated from Kharkiv State University in 1991. The Kharkiv School of Theoretical Physics was known throughout the world. Now I work as a consulting engineer at an international company. My knowledge of the Ukrainian mentality and the skills of gripping any subject quickly, which I acquired at the university, have proven very helpful in my current job. The only recommendation I have for my countrymen who are going to come to Ukraine to study is that you must learn, first and foremost, that the front passenger seat in a car here is on the right side. The rest is easy to learn.

Firsthand

Wu Li, Manager (China-Ukraine)
This year I have graduated from a higher educational institution in Kyiv and obtained a diploma. Currently, I am an intern at an international travel company operating in Ukraine. In the future, I plan to manage the business of a Chinese company in Ukraine’s market. I have the necessary knowledge for this, and cooperation between our two countries is on the rise. Besides, I have many good friends here. I would like to warn my compatriots who want to come to Ukraine that winters here are the same as in the northern provinces of China. So, do not forget warm clothes. But it is much warmer in the houses.

Not from hearsay

Olga Nemirovskaya, future lawyer (Russia-Ukraine)
Two years ago I decided to enter an educational institution in Kyiv and now I am here, studying. First, it is cheaper than in Moscow. Second, I have relatives and friends here who can support me. And third, I looked for new impressions, new places, and new discoveries. Kyiv proved the right choice for me. It combinesbeauty, antiquity, and the rapid rhythm of life typical of other big cities! I would like to say to my countrymen who are contemplating study in Ukraine that I study here in Russian and communicate in Russian as well. As for Ukrainian, it is a friendly and understandable language. I can already speak it a little. It’s cool!